No reports of anyone contracting virus after Legionella outbreak in Parliament

No one has contracted a virus following the Legionella outbreak in Parliament, the Speaker of the House Dr Anglu Farrugia told The Malta Independent.

The bacteria was detected on December 22 following routine tests by the Environmental Health Directorate.

Dr Farrugia said that the bacterium was contained to small part in the toilet facilities on level three of the administrative block.

All the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the bacteria has been eradicated, Dr Farrugia added.

Dr Farrugia explained that an investigation involving experts from the directorate, an industrial environmental chemist, a maintenance team from the Panta Lesco Group of Companies and the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation are currently taking place to ascertain the source of the outbreak. However it is not yet known when the investigation will be concluded and results are then published.

Legionella is a type of bacterium typically found in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. It only grows and spreads in human-made water systems which are poorly maintained such as air-conditioners, water tanks, heaters and large plumbing systems.

Sometimes the bacteria cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause a less serious infection called Pontiac fever that has symptoms similar to a mild case of the flu.